Have you ever noticed your polarized sunglasses not looking so polarized anymore? You know that annoying smudge that seems to never go away? Well, you’re in luck! Because today, I’m going to show you how to get your sunglasses back to their original crystal clear glory.
Gently wash your polarized sunglasses with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry them lightly with a soft cloth, making sure not to rub or scrub the lenses.
This step-by-step guide will have your shades looking better than ever! We’ll start by laying out the essential cleaning supplies you’ll need, and then follow that up with the actual cleaning process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be talking about the amazingness of your freshly cleaned polarized lenses in no time! So go ahead and get ready to say goodbye to smudges and smears!
Table of Contents
Supplies to Clean Your Polarized Sunglasses
Before attempting to clean your polarized sunglasses, you must ensure that you have the right supplies. This can depend on the type of material and lenses your sunglasses are made of. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before selecting a cleaning product.
Using soap or detergent can be very effective in cleaning your polarized lenses and frames, but it should be diluted with water as these products may contain chemicals that will leave residue or strip away the coating from your lenses. Specialized eyeglass cleaning solutions are widely available and contain fewer chemicals than other household products, so they won’t damage the coating or lens material of your glasses. You should also avoid using sunscreen, harsh cleaners or wipes, and abrasive materials like paper towels as these could scratch your lenses or degrade the polarization film.
If you choose to use a specialized cleaner, make sure that it is specifically designed for eye-wear and contains no ammonia. UV protection (or hydrophobic coatings) is also important when selecting a cleaner, as it can help repel dust, oils, and water while preventing smudging. Consumers may want to consider buying a specialized cleaning cloth as well to avoid wiping pieces of dust into their lenses. If budget allows, some opt for microfiber cloths which last longer than most disposable options due to their exceptional quality and durability.
By ensuring that you have the proper supplies on hand before beginning the cleaning process, you can protect your polarized sunglasses from damage and maintain optimal polarization quality for years to come.
Now that you know what supplies are required for effective cleaning of polarized lenses, let's move on to how to clean polarized lens.
How to Clean Polarized Lens
Cleaning polarized lenses requires a different level of care than regular sunglasses due to the enhanced scratch-resistant feature. To keep your polarized lenses in top condition, follow these simple steps:
- Start by gently washing the lenses with mild soap and warm water. For best results, use an eyeglass cleaning solution designed specifically for polarized lenses.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth or cotton to dry the lenses thoroughly and avoid using things like paper towels or tissues as this can cause scratches on your lenses.
- If there are still smudges on the lenses after you have dried them off, use a gentle lens cleaner and a cotton swab such as Q-tips, rubbing gently in circles around the affected area until it is gone.
Some optometrists argue against the use of lens cleaners and suggest using only water and a microfiber cloth because the harsh chemicals used for lens cleaners could degrade the anti-reflective coating of your glasses over time. However, if you take extra care when cleaning your sunglasses and use only quality names of products designed specifically for lenses, you can achieve excellent results without causing any damage to your glasses.
Now that you know how to clean polarized lens properly, it's time to move on to removing dust and dirt from your glasses.
Dust and Dirt
Dust and dirt can accumulate on your polarized lenses and can quickly impact visibility and clarity. While it’s beneficial to keep your sunglasses in their protective case when not in use, dust particles still find their way to the lenses. Regularly dusting off the frame using a microfiber cloth helps reduce the amount of dust that accumulates between cleaning sessions.
When removing dust from your lenses, it is important to handle delicately. Rubbing too hard or using greater pressure on the lens can cause scratches. If a spot of dirt needs extra attention, dampen your microfiber cloth before wiping away. This will help avoid scratching the lenses while providing cleaner results.
Another suggestion for cleaning off dust particles is the use of compressed air cans, often used to clean computers and other electronics. These are usually safe on lenses but can be quite potent and generate a great deal of noise. Applying directly to the lenses could potentially blow away dust particles as well as push them further into microscopic crevices that may be difficult to remove later on which is why we recommend against this approach if possible.
When done properly, cleaning off dust not only improves visibility and clarity but also keeps your sunglasses looking sharp, attractive and new for longer periods of time.
Now let's take a look at how smudges and oils can be effectively removed from polarized lenses – our next step in this comprehensive guide.
Smudges and Oils
Smudges and oils can be some of the hardest substances to remove from any surface, and sunglasses are no different. To clean smudges, gentle cleansing with a microfiber cloth is typically your best bet. Always use a dampened cloth (with plain water) when dealing with smudges or oils on lenses. Never use any chemical-based cleaners or cleaning solutions, as they may damage the lenses or have a negative effect on the lenses' polarization properties.
When using a cloth to clean fingerprints and oils, it’s important you don’t rub harshly as it can leave scratches. Instead, wipe in a circular motion using light pressure. If more substantial dirt is present, it may help to rub lightly with a few drops of dish soap which has been pre-diluted in lukewarm water. Always make sure to rinse the lenses with plain water afterwards and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid paper towels because their texture can cause unwanted scratches and streaks.
A final note on smudges and oils: if you wait too long to clean them, they may ‘bake’ into the lens coating which can make them harder—or even impossible—to remove. To prevent this from happening, consistently clean your sunglasses every time they become dirty.
Once you've successfully removed smudges and oils from your lenses, move onto the next step: cleaning streaks and marks.
Streaks and Marks
Your polarized sunglasses may collect smudges, fingerprints, scratches, and other marks over time. To protect your glasses and maintain their optimal performance in blocking the sun's glare, it is important to clean them regularly. But how should you handle streaks and marks?
A common question is whether regular cleaning with microfiber cloths can damage lenses if applied too vigorously. The good news is that modern materials used to make lenses are durable and resistant to abrasion. However, it is better to be conservative when cleaning lens surfaces by applying light pressure as any amount of stress can cause glass or plastic lens to crack.
The debate for or against using chemical cleaning agents on lenses is divided between fanatics that think it will damage their lenses long-term and those who believe a gentle soap-and-water solution can help remove tough smears without damaging the lens surface in any way. Regardless of which side you may belong to, rest assured that polarized lenses can be successfully cleaned without harm as long as it is done carefully with gentle methodology.
After all, removing dirt and grime from your polarized lenses must be done delicately to prevent any further damages or scratches. The best method for removing hard grime from the lenses would be to first moisten the cloth with water or a drop of mild liquid soap and wipe gently until the spots have been removed thoroughly.
Now, let's discuss the importance of establishing a regular cleaning routine in order to maintain clear vision while outdoors in the next section.
How Often to Clean Polarized Sunglasses
Cleaning your polarized sunglasses on a timely basis is essential for maintaining and ensuring their longevity. However, there is no set rule regarding exactly how often you should clean them as this depends on a variety of factors. For instance, if you wear them frequently outdoors, it is likely that you need to clean them more regularly than someone who wears them only occasionally indoors.
The key to correctly determining the correct frequency of cleaning lies in assessing the lenses when needed. Take notice of any smudges or dirt that have accumulated on the lenses or frames and assess whether a cleaning is required. If the lenses appear very dirty or smeared with fingerprints and residue, then it’s time to give them a quick clean. Some people like to clean their sunglasses once per week whereas others prefer less frequent cleaning sessions bi-weekly or even monthly depending on how they are used.
Another factor to consider is the climate you live in and whether your polarized sunglasses may be exposed to mud, rain, sweat etc. as intense sweating can also increase film buildup on the lenses which can be difficult to remove if not cleaned immediately. Therefore in dry weather conditions, weekly cleaning might suffice while in more humid climates twice per week may be more appropriate.
By taking into account all of these factors, you should be able to easily determine a customized cleaning routine that works best for you. By doing so not only will you ensure that your sunglasses remain in top shape but also guarantee maximum protection against UV rays.
Now that we have discussed how often to clean polarized sunglasses, let's move onto what to avoid which will be discussed in the following section.
What to Avoid
When it comes to cleaning your polarized sunglasses, there are some methods and materials that can easily damage the lenses. Using a paper towel or tissue to clean your sunglasses should be avoided as the fibers in these materials can scratch and damage the lenses. Additionally, never use window cleaner, detergents, aerosol sprays, or other harsh chemicals as these can damage the anti-reflective coating on the lens and also leave behind residue.
In addition, harsh chemical cleaners can also cause damage to polarizing film that protects the lenses from UVA and UVB rays. Instead opt for specifically designated cleaning solutions specifically designed for glasses and sunglasses lenses.
Avoid rubbing your lenses vigorously when cleaning them as this could create scratches and distortions on the lenses. This is why it is important to wet the lenses with a gentle solution before wiping them down -- this will ensure that you do not rub too hard on the surface of your lenses.
Now that we have discussed what methods to avoid when cleaning polarized sunglasses, let’s move onto exploring what types of cleaning solutions are best for keeping our glasses looking like new.
Cleaning Solutions
Cleaners and solutions for cleaning polarized sunglasses are available for purchase at glasses stores, optical stores, or online. Some solutions are safe to use on all lenses, while others may only be appropriate specifically for certain types of lenses. Depending on the lens material of your glasses, it is important to determine which type of solution is best for cleaning them.
There are many cleaners available on the market to clean polarized sunglass lenses safely and effectively. Many of these products come in convenient pre-moistened wipes, sprays, drops, cloths, and/or solutions that you can apply with a cotton pad. However, there are some downsides to using store-bought cleaners: they can often include additional chemicals which may harm the lens surface if used incorrectly and they can also be relatively expensive.
On the other hand, using a homemade cleaning solution might seem like an easier and cheaper option than using commercial cleaners and solutions; however, it is important to note that many DIY solutions can actually scratch or damage the lens if not done properly or with the right ingredients such as witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Additionally, these DIY solutions typically do not contain anti-fog properties that help protect your lenses from further dirt and grime buildup.
To ensure that your lenses stay safe and clear, it's best to use a store-bought cleaning solution designed specifically for your lens material rather than relying solely on DIY solutions.
Now that we have looked at store-bought and DIY cleaning solutions, let’s move on to exploring different DIY cleaning product options in the next section.
DIY Cleaning Products
DIY cleaning products can be a great way to save money, but when it comes to caring for polarized sunglasses it is best to use store-bought solutions. Any homemade product that contains vinegar or ammonia can act as an abrasive and damage the lenses. Therefore, if you choose to make your own solutions, stick with simple items such as a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water. It is also important to remember that these solutions must be mixed with a soft cloth only, as any kind of cleaning towel or paper towel may scratch the polarized lenses.
When discussing DIY cleaning products, many people may opt to use soap on the frames of their sunglasses. Although this is okay to occasionally do, it is important to remember that soap residue or suds can end up causing hazing on your polarized lenses over time. Hazing results from tiny flecks of dirt becoming stuck in the residue and molding around the lens surface, creating a cloudy look. It is best to avoid using soap altogether to clean your sunglasses as it can easily damage them both in the short-term and long-term.
Overall, when it comes to lens cleaning it is generally better off sticking with store-bought solutions and polishing cloths specifically designed for eyewear. However, if you find yourself in a pinch you may use mild DIY cleaning products with caution.
Now that the safety measures of DIY solutions have been discussed, let’s move on to polishing cloth tips for keeping your polarized sunglasses looking like new!
Polishing Cloth Tips
Polishing cloths are made for cleaning dirt and fingerprints from the lenses of polarized sunglasses. If you use them properly, they can help keep your lenses crystal-clear. Here are a few tips to remember when using a polishing cloth.
First, make sure that the cloth is dust-free and clean. It's also important to avoid rubbing too hard on the lenses as this can cause scratching. Depending on the type of material you're using, it might be best to lightly dampen the cloth with water or a commercial lens cleaner before applying it to your sunglasses. When wiping down the lenses, use smooth circular motions instead of back-and-forth scrubbing.
If your goal is to remove smudges, there is some debate over whether regular cleaning cloths are effective. On one hand, some people say that regular cleaning cloths don't have enough friction to effectively buff away smudges, so specialized microfiber cloths may be necessary for that purpose. On the other hand, those who don't have specialized microfiber cleaning cloths have found success with regular pieces of fabric like cotton t-shirts and flannel napkins.
Another key tip is to not leave any residue from the polishing cloth behind on your sunglasses lenses. To do this, use a clean piece of fabric after wiping off any remaining dirt and/or cleaner so no streaks will remain on the lenses.
Polishing cloths can be an easy and effective way to maintain polarized sunglasses lenses. Just remember to use smooth circular motions, select fabrics wisely depending on the type of smudge you're trying to remove, and always finish off with a dry piece of fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prevent polarized sunglasses from becoming dirty in the first place?
The best way to prevent polarized sunglasses from becoming dirty in the first place is to keep them securely stored when not in use. For example, store glasses in their hard shell case or another protective container so they’re not exposed to dirt, dust, and other debris. Additionally, you should clean your sunglasses regularly with a cleaning solution designed for eyewear and a microfiber cloth. This will prevent any buildup of grime or oil that can lead to lasting damage to your lenses.
Finally, be mindful of when and where you are wearing them. Avoid taking them off and setting them down on surfaces like countertops and car dashboards that might cause scratches, smudges, or other wear-and-tear.
What products should be used to clean polarized sunglasses?
When cleaning polarized sunglasses, it is important to choose the right products. Some of the best products for cleaning polarized sunglasses are mild soap and water, a specialized lens cleaner specifically designed for eyewear, or a mix of rubbing alcohol and vinegar.
Mild soap and water is the most gentle option for cleaning your polarized sunglasses. All you need to do is wet a soft cloth with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild soap. Gently rub the lenses with the cloth until they’re clean. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water afterwards.
If you decide to use a specialized lens cleaner, be sure to check its ingredients before applying it to your sunglasses. The cleaner should be free of harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which could potentially ruin your lenses. Spray the solution onto your lenses, then wipe them off with a clean microfiber cloth until they’re streak-free.
Finally, another great choice for cleaning polarized sunglasses is a simple mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Add equal parts of both into a spray bottle and shake to combine them. Spray this solution onto your lenses and gently wipe away any dirt or smudges with a microfiber cloth or cotton ball.
No matter what product you choose, always make sure to handle your polarized sunglasses with care when cleaning them!
Are there any special cleaning techniques used for polarized sunglasses?
Yes, cleaning polarized sunglasses requires a few special techniques in order to protect their polarizing filters. The most important tip is to never clean them with paper towels, facial tissues, or other abrasive tissue products. Instead, use a soft cloth or lens-cleaning wipes specifically designed for sunglasses.
Additionally, start by spray the lenses lightly with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap (avoiding any harsh chemicals), then gently rub away dirt and grime and rinse thoroughly with clean water. To finish off, use a microfiber cloth to dry the lenses and remove any remaining streaks or residue. With these steps, your sunglasses will be as good as new!